A STUDY ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES SURROUNDING VALAYA ALONGKORN RAJABHAT UNIVERSITY UNDER THE ROYAL PATRONAGE THROUGH PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN SAKAE KRANG SUB-DISTRICT, MUEANG DISTRICT, UTHAI THANI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1) study and analyze the community conditions surrounding Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University Under Royal Patronage in Sakae Krang Sub-district, Mueang District, Uthai Thani Province; and 2) establish community development guidelines for the surrounding areas of the university through public participation from the residents of Sakae Krang Sub-district. This study employed Participatory Action Research (PAR). The sample group, selected through purposive sampling, consisted of 35 individuals, including: 8 sub-district headmen (Kamnan) and village headmen from the areas surrounding the university; 5 community leaders, comprising community sages and senior community leaders; 5 executives from the Sakae Krang Sub-district Administrative Organization; and 17 residents from the Sakae Krang Sub-district Municipality area. The research methodology involved documentary research and analysis, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation. The research findings revealed that: 1) Community Conditions Surrounding the University: The community was established during the Ayutthaya period, during which "Mueang U-Thai" played a crucial role as a frontline border town and a significant battlefield in repelling Burmese forces. This strategic importance continued into the Thonburi period when Mueang U-Thai was relocated to Ban Sakae Krang, evolving into a continuously growing community up to the present day. Furthermore, it is a prominent site for raising fish in floating cages along the Sakae Krang River, characterized by a traditional raft-dwelling lifestyle, alongside the establishment of the Koh Thepo basketry occupational group. 2) Guidelines for Community Development Surrounding the University: These comprise: 2.1) Developing a giant gourami breeding and cultivation site. 2.2) Constructing a community rice mill within the university grounds. 2.3) Establishing an agricultural technology transfer center. 2.4) Upgrading and developing the basketry group. 2.5) Developing and upgrading community homestays. 2.6) Creating camping and car camping sites. 2.7) Developing bicycle and water tourism routes, including pier development in collaboration with local administrative organizations.